‘Dignity Of The Dead Must Be Respected’: Karnataka HC Directs Govt, BBMP To Frame New Guidelines For Burial Of COVID-19 Patients

The Karnataka High Court on Monday directed the State government and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to relook at the guidelines/protocol issued by them for disposing of dead bodies of persons tested positive for COVID-19. The bench stated that the guidelines of the State and BBMP proceed on the presumption that the dead body of a coronavirus patient is a potential source of spread of COVID-19. Citing the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which note that dignity of the dead, their cultural and religious tradition and their families should be respected and protected throughout, the bench said “All the authorities are bound to come out with the protocol/guidelines with emphasis on the dignity of the dead.”